Next up we welcome Kotelett, one half of Kotelett & Zadak, the idiosyncratic house duo who have clocked up releases on respected imprints including Katermukke, Selador and Natura Viva.
Kotelett & Zadak have been spreading their cheeky take on House for some while now, maintaining their outlandish fishing-related back-story over the standard/boring DJ duo biography. Although keen to bring a sense of fun to electronic music, their music is anything but flippant.
Kotelett recently returned to Poker Flat Recordings with his solo single 'I Don’t Know' earlier this year, with a spectacular remix from Swiss producer Dario D’Attis out this Friday. The rework adds a new flavour to the deep, rolling nature of the original, adding a more jacking vibe and pushing the vocal more to the fore.
We caught up with mystical (alleged) ex-fisherman Kotelett earlier this week to chat all things new release, Berlin and dance floor vibes.
Hi Kotelett, how are you and what have you been up to this week?
Dude, it’s Tuesday, I've just recovered from the weekend!
How long have you been in Berlin and brought you here?
I've been in Berlin for almost 20 years now. It was the music scene that brought me here, definitely! At that time, the minimal sound really captivated me. I was completely hypnotised by it.
I read your amusing bio on Resident Advisor citing that you have a history with fishing escapades and once this ended, you pursued your musical journey. Is there any truth to that? I'd love to think so!
Well….the truth is written in deep waters. Maybe we should go fishing to figure that out ;-)
You have released on many of our favourite labels. Also your track "Clovis" with your partner Zadak has been a terrace anthem for our club nights here for a few years now. Is there a release that has particular special memories for you?
Oh, it's great to hear that 'Clovis' has been an anthem at your club nights! Each release holds special memories for me. Sometimes those memories are tied to the production process, and other times they come much later, like when you hear the track during a special moment on stage when everything falls into place.
One of those unforgettable moments happened at the Garbicz Festival. It was one of our first live acts and we felt immense pressure with many familiar faces in the crowd. However, during the last song, 'Crave Dave,' I felt a huge sense of relief, and we received so much love from the audience. That moment will always stay with me."
You have a remix coming out on Poker Flat by Dario D'Attis this Friday from your recent release 'I Don't Know'. Tell us more about that.
The track 'I Don't Know‘ was my reunion with house music. After the pandemic I enjoyed the positivity and humour in it. It’s pure fun and in the same way sexy. I was a bit bored of the big pathos and testosterone drops of melodic house & techno.
Darios' remix came as a bit of a surprise. We asked him to do a remix before I released the original so that we can release it together but he was very busy. Then out of the blue, he delivered this remix.
What else can you tell us about future releases, anything exciting in the pipeline?
I'm currently working on launching my own label imprint, where I will start with the first releases + remixes. I'll be ready soon, so get ready to be excited! 🤗
Where was your first gig and how did it go?
My first gigs were in my hometown Bielefeld. We organised parties in an abandoned house where I played alongside my friend for the whole night, experimenting with various genres. It was the perfect setting to practice - no pressure, and you couldn't prepare the entire night's playlist in advance. You had to play from the gut.
Where was your first gig in Berlin? I guess it was in Cassiopeia. We organised the party and played the warm up for the main act. It was soooo exciting.
I watched a documentary recently about you and Zadak, where you both talk exclusively about playing in clubs. What is it that gives you that itch to play in front of people?
It’s always about the tension to play the sound that comes to your mind at that moment and creating an atmosphere where you feel connected with the crowd. That particular moment is very rare, and I could hunt for it again and again because it’s so beautiful to feel united.
In the same documentary we learn that Zadak loves to get out into the mountains and nature to test himself as well as feel inspired. Where do you get your inspiration from?
Yes, he's practically living in the mountains these days. As for me, inspiration can come from any situation. It's about how you perceive things, paying attention to details, and being aware of the feelings in that particular moment.
Which DJs or producers are you liking right now?
I could mention here a lot of hot producers, but at the moment with my focus being into house music I appreciate the work of Acid Jerks, Big Miz, Sally C or at least Maltitz, he will bring a hot remix on my next EP.
What are your go-to labels?
Pokerflat of course. Kalahari Oyster Cult, Running Back, Local Talk, just to name a few.
You have compiled our latest Berlin Mixtapes Series Episode 056 - Tell us more about your mix.
Listening explains more than talking, but it’s a bit more chilled with a positive vibe I would say.
Thanks for spending some time with us, is there anything else you'd like to share with our readers?
Dance floors without phones are beautiful.
Exciting stuff! It's been an absolute pleasure talking with you. Next up here's the Quickfire Round: Genre: House
Favourite colour: Turquoise
What do you put on your chips? There is no regular behaviour
Apple or Android?: Apple
First record ever bought: Massive Töne (German Hip Hop)
Can you juggle?: My life
Weirdest/Coolest Item of clothing: Vampire collar
Do you collect anything?: Well... music
What is the most useless talent you have? Staying too long Favourite place to hang out: Holzmarkt Favourite club: Katerblau
Favourite bar/pub: Melancholie 2 Favourite beer: Becks
Favourite place to eat: Katerschmaus
Weirdest thing you've eaten: Snake
How do you like your eggs: Poached
Coffee or tea: Green tea
Favourite track right now: ITALIA NO RAVE - KOKO.IT
Favourite word: Lush
A phrase to describe your mix: House, positive, kotelettish
Tracklist
Hannah Holland - Lush feat. IMMA/MESS (Original Mix)
Kevin Yost - Nothing New
Third Attempt, Kim Young iLL - Save Me
Black Loops - Higher
DJ Steaw - I Want
Matisa - Selling of All, The Brain!
Job De Jong - Inside Man
Boiling Point - 100 Degrees Centigrade
Demuja, Kolter - Bonzai
Luuk Van Dijk - Aperol Spiritz
Acid Jerks - Wheels Of Fortune
Kotelett - I don´t Know (Dario D’Attis remix) - Pokerflat
Acid Jerks - Rise up
Big Miz - Everything's Fine
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